Aburakake Jizo: The Legend of the Oil-Pouring Statue
When travelers envision the spiritual landscape of Kyoto, images of pristine Zen gardens, vermilion torii gates, and purification fountains filled with crystal-clear water typically come to mind. However, hidden within the historical Fushimi district lies a temple that defies these clean, watery conventions. Here, at Daizen-ji Temple, stands a statue unlike any other: the Aburakake Jizo, or the “Oil-Pouring Jizo.”
Instead of water, worshippers bathe this stone deity in cooking oil, leaving it with a glistening, dark patina that has built up over centuries. It is a striking visual that captures the pragmatic and earthy nature of Japanese folk religion. For travelers seeking the unusual and the authentic, a visit to the Aburakake Jizo offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of commerce, faith, and local legend.
The Origins: Faith in the Fushimi District
To understand the Aburakake Jizo, one must first understand its home. Fushimi is historically renowned as a pivotal river port connecting Kyoto to Osaka. During the Edo period, it was a bustling hub of trade, sake brewing, and transport. The movement of goods and money created a culture deeply invested in luck and prosperity.
Jizo Bosatsu (Kshitigarbha) is one of the most beloved deities in Japanese Buddhism, traditionally known as the guardian of children and travelers. Stone Jizo statues are ubiquitous along Japanese roadsides, usually serving as protectors of wayfarers. However, the specific incarnation at Daizen-ji evolved from a simple roadside guardian into a specialist deity for merchants. The transformation of this statue from a standard guardian to a focal point of “oil worship” is a testament to the adaptability of Japanese spiritual practices, where deities often take on specific local characteristics based on the needs of the community.
The Legend of the Spilled Oil
The ritual of pouring oil originates from a humble folktale passed down through generations in Fushimi. As the story goes, sometime in the mid-Edo period, an oil merchant was traveling through the area on his way to market. In those days, oil was a precious and expensive commodity, often used for lamps and cooking.
While walking past the gate of Daizen-ji, the merchant stumbled, causing his oil buckets to tip over. A significant amount of his valuable product spilled onto the ground. Distraught by the loss and the waste, the merchant tried to scoop the oil back up, but it was mixed with dirt and impossible to salvage. In a moment of resignation and piety, he decided to offer the remaining dregs of the oil to the stone Jizo statue standing nearby, pouring it over the deity’s head as an apology for his clumsiness and a prayer for forgiveness.
Miraculously, following this incident, the merchant’s business began to thrive. He sold more oil than ever before and amassed a fortune. When word spread that his luck turned after offering oil to the Jizo, other merchants began flocking to the temple to replicate the act. Thus, the tradition of Aburakake (pouring oil) was born.
Modern Culture and Rituals
Today, the Aburakake Jizo stands housed within a small pavilion at Daizen-ji. The statue itself is coated in layers of oil so thick that its original stone features have been softened and smoothed, giving it a surreal, melted appearance. It glistens black in the dim light, radiating a strange, heavy presence.
The Worship Ritual
Unlike the splashing of water for purification found at other shrines, the atmosphere here is viscous and quiet. A basin of oil sits before the statue, accompanied by a ladle. Visitors perform the ritual as follows:
- Bow respectfully before the pavilion.
- Take the ladle and scoop up the oil.
- Gently pour the oil over the head of the Jizo statue.
- Offer a prayer with hands pressed together.
While the original legend focused on monetary success, modern worshippers pray for a variety of outcomes. Business prosperity remains the primary request, but students also visit to pray for success in entrance exams, and families pray for safety within the home. The sliding of the oil is sometimes associated with a “smooth” life, free of friction and obstacles.
Traveler’s Tips
Visiting the Aburakake Jizo is an excellent way to get off the beaten path in Kyoto. Here are some tips for your visit:
- Location: The statue is located at Daizen-ji Temple in the Fushimi ward. The nearest train stations are Momoyama-goryo-mae (Kintetsu Line) or Fushimi-Momoyama (Keihan Line).
- Combine with Sake Tours: Fushimi is the sake brewing capital of Kyoto. Daizen-ji is within walking distance of famous breweries like Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum. A trip to the Jizo fits perfectly into a day of exploring the historic brewery district.
- Etiquette: While the statue is covered in oil, do not touch it with your hands. Use the provided ladle. Be mindful that oil can drip; watch your clothing and shoes.
- Nearby Attractions: After visiting the Jizo, walk to the nearby Teradaya Inn, famous for the incident involving historical figure Sakamoto Ryoma.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in the deeper roots of Japanese mythology and the worship of inanimate objects, the following texts and concepts provide essential context:
- Japanese Folklore and Local Legends: The specific story of the Aburakake Jizo is preserved in local Fushimi historical records and temple documents of Daizen-ji.
- Historical Context: While this specific legend is from the Edo period, the animistic roots of offering food and substances to deities can be traced back to ancient texts like the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) and the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters), which detail the Kami (spirits) inhabiting nature and stone.
- Jizo Bosatsu: Further reading on Kshitigarbha in Mahayana Buddhism will provide context on why this deity is so central to Japanese daily life.